Kudremukh National Park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including several endangered species. The park is home to the Malabar civet, tiger, leopard, wild dog, sambar deer, gaur, and sloth bear. The avian fauna is particularly rich, with over 200 bird species recorded, including the Great Pied Hornbill and Malabar Trogon. The park also harbors numerous endemic amphibians and reptiles, including the Kudremukh Bush Frog and King Cobra. Several rare butterfly species can also be found within the park boundaries.
The park hosts a remarkable variety of vegetation types, including tropical wet evergreen forests, shola forests, and grasslands. Over 600 species of plants have been documented, including several rare and endangered species. Notable flora includes Dipterocarpus, Mesua ferrea, Calophyllum species, and various orchids. The grasslands at higher elevations feature unique adaptations to high rainfall and strong winds. The park is also home to numerous medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities.
The park is situated in the Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, featuring stunning mountain ranges formed during the Precambrian era. The region is characterized by its high peaks, deep valleys, and extensive grasslands. The Kudremukh peak, at 1,892 meters above sea level, is the third highest peak in Karnataka. The area is rich in iron ore deposits and features numerous perennial streams and waterfalls, shaped by millions of years of geological activity. The soil is primarily lateritic, supporting diverse vegetation types.
Kudremukh National Park was established in 1987, primarily to protect the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The park derives its name from the distinctive horse-face shaped peak (Kudremukh means 'horse-face' in Kannada). The area was historically known for iron-ore mining operations by the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) until 2005, when mining was stopped following environmental concerns. Prior to becoming a national park, the region was home to several indigenous communities and was part of the Kudremukh State Forest.
The park's most distinctive feature is the Kudremukh peak, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The Lakya Dam and reservoir, though part of the former mining operation, now serve as important water sources. The park contains three major rivers - Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati - originating within its boundaries. Notable waterfalls include Hanuman Gundi and Kadambi Falls. The park also features numerous trekking trails, with the Kudremukh Peak trek being the most popular. The combination of grasslands and shola forests creates a unique landscape mosaic that is characteristic of the high-altitude Western Ghats.
Kudremukh National Park experiences a typical tropical monsoon climate, with three distinct seasons. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, often exceeding 7000mm annually, making it one of the wettest regions in Karnataka. Winters (October to February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C, ideal for visiting. Summers (March to May) are relatively warm with temperatures reaching up to 35°C, though the higher elevation keeps the climate more moderate than surrounding lowland areas.
India
13.1830°, 75.2500°
1987
600.32
Kudremukh National Park is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The park gets its name from the horse-face shaped peak and is known for its dense evergreen forests and grasslands. It is home to several endangered species including the Malabar civet and lion-tailed macaque.